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Which STEM Degrees Offer the Highest ROI?

Quick Highlights:

  • Return on investment is a calculation that helps determine their financial value by comparing costs against potential earnings.
  • The highest ROI STEM degrees are in engineering and computer and information sciences.
  • STEM degree graduates can enjoy lucrative careers in areas like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
  • There are different factors that determine the ROI of STEM degrees, such as the financial cost of education, duration of study, entry-level salaries, and the potential for career advancement over time.

Table of contents

If you are thinking about going back to college, it is important to take some time to learn about the return on investment (ROI) in different degree fields. With the best return on investment in STEM, you can quickly repay your college loans and start working in the highest-paying STEM careers. 

While the salary at different companies and positions can vary, researchers have calculated the best STEM degrees ROI. You can determine whether a STEM degree is worth it by comparing the STEM education benefits and costs. Additionally, you should take some time to consider your own personal aptitude and interests as you think about different career fields. 

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The Importance of ROI in Education 

When considering top-paying STEM fields, you should carefully weigh the cost of STEM degrees against the financial benefits of STEM degrees. This type of weighing of costs and benefits is basically the definition of ROI. 

The return on investment for education is a ratio that calculates the profitability of an investment. Mathematically, you can calculate this figure by dividing the net return on your investment by the cost of the investment. Then, multiply this figure by 100%. The resulting number is called your ROI. 

When people talk about the ROI and value of STEM education, they are referring to this figure. Ultimately, students are trying to figure out if the extra earnings they make from their education are justified by the cost of STEM degrees. For returning students who have to give up time at work to pursue a degree, this calculation is especially important. 

Overview of STEM Fields 

If you are concerned about getting a good ROI, it’s a good idea to check out STEM degrees with the best returns. One of the biggest STEM education benefits is that this field has an excellent ROI. Many students are drawn to these fields because of the excellent long-term value of STEM education. 

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It can include computer science, natural science programs, data science, and other related courses. While these courses have a reputation for being more challenging, they lead to top-paying STEM fields and excellent job opportunities. 

Factors Affecting ROI in STEM Degrees 

If you’re trying to figure out the best STEM degrees ROI and if a STEM degree is worth it, you should take a look at all of the STEM education benefits and costs. The following are just a few of the factors you should consider.

  • Tuition Costs: Tuition costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars a year. If you have to pay for these costs yourself, they can quickly make a degree cost-prohibitive.
  • Time to Graduation: If a degree takes longer to complete, it will cost you extra money. Returning students have to give up time at work in order to pursue a degree. Those lost hours mean a lower salary. In addition, less time at work may reduce your chances of getting a promotion or raise. 
  • Starting Salaries: In addition to looking at the costs, you should also consider the financial benefits of STEM degrees. Certain career fields have starting salaries that are over $100,000 per year. In these fields, you can quickly repay any college debt you accrue and start enjoying your return on investment in STEM.  
  • Long-Term Career Growth: Other than getting the highest-paying STEM careers right out of college, you can also discover the long-term value of STEM education for your career advancement. Over time, your degree can open up new opportunities and lead to long-term career growth. 

It is important to consider the specific type of STEM degree you want to pursue. Each degree field has a different ratio of costs and benefits. For instance, many low-level programming jobs are being taken by artificial intelligence (AI). Over the long run, you will likely find fewer opportunities in this field and lower pay because of AI’s impact. 

In comparison, data science and AI jobs are in growing demand. If you pursue a degree related to AI and data science, you can expect more career advancement options. 

Top STEM Degrees With High ROI

There are many different majors, so the following list is just a brief look at STEM degrees and career success. If you pursue a degree in one of the following subject areas, you can quickly get a good return on your investment after you graduate. 

Computer Science 

By getting a degree in computer science, you can prepare yourself for jobs as a computer programmer, machine learning engineer, or AI engineer. The computer science degree salary can vary based on the type of career you pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs as computer and information research scientists are expected to grow by 23% between 2022 and 2023, which is a significantly higher rate than average. 

While a position as a computer programmer earns a median salary of $97,800, an AI engineer garners a median wage of $136,620 annually. A machine learning engineer typically makes an average salary of $166,572 per year based on figures from Indeed.

Engineering

Within the field of engineering, there are many different specializations. For example, you may study chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The engineering degree ROI can vary based on the type of engineering involved. 

A typical chemical engineer will earn an average salary of $95,943 per year in the United States according to Indeed. Meanwhile, an electrical engineer makes $98,760 per year. Finally, a mechanical engineer will normally earn a median salary of $99,510 per year.

Data Science

Other than considering the ROI of engineering degrees, you can also look at taking on a job in data science. This emerging career field is growing increasingly popular and in demand. Thanks to the growth of AI, more workers are needed in this industry than ever before. 

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects demand for data scientists to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2032. Currently, a data scientist can expect to earn $124,177 per year.

Biotechnology 

By researching biotechnology careers ROI, you can get started on a rewarding career. You could become a clinical technician, a microbiologist, a DNA analyst, or a biomedical engineer.

The salary in this field can vary based on the role you choose. For example, Indeed reports a microbiologist is paid $78,244 on average. While a DNA analyst is typically paid $90,605 per year, a biomedical engineer earns an average annual salary of $86,086.

Comparing ROI Across STEM Degrees 

When comparing the value of STEM education, it’s important to understand that the return on investment in STEM varies from one degree to another. The best STEM degrees ROI can be found in engineering. Once someone has an engineering degree, they will generally earn at least $6,000 per month. 

Within engineering, specific degree programs earn more than others. Petroleum engineering has the highest entry-level pay. The next highest-paying STEM careers in the field can be found in operations research and industrial engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, systems engineering, and computer systems engineering. 

Other than engineering, the best return on investment in STEM can be discovered in computer and information sciences. Healthcare industries are particularly in demand, so any science or technology degree that is related to healthcare will generally offer excellent pay. 

However, it is important to remember that the ROI of different fields can change as technology and market needs evolve over time. The recent development of AI is an excellent example of how some fields can grow or shrink overnight.

How to Maximize Your ROI in STEM

When embarking on a STEM career, there are a few things you can do to maximize your return on investment in STEM. Anything that reduces the cost of your degree or increases your financial benefits will improve your ROI. 

Initially, you should begin by selecting the right school. Apply for as many grants and scholarships as possible so that you can reduce the cost of your tuition. Because your school’s accreditation, faculty, and industry partnerships can impact your hiring prospects, it is also important to consider non-tuition factors in choosing a university.

As you continue your studies, you can improve your STEM education benefits in other ways. Your professional network can help you learn about job opportunities after graduation. Meanwhile, specialized certifications and internships can improve your resume so that you are more likely to be employed after graduation. 

Discover More Information About STEM Degrees 

Is a STEM degree worth it? It depends on the cost of your degree and the career you get after graduation. In addition, you should also think about your personal interests. While the highest-paying STEM careers have an excellent ROI, this ROI might not be worth it if you hate your job. 

To decide if a career field is right for you, start by looking at the best STEM degrees ROI. After considering the return on investment in STEM, think about the other STEM education benefits, such as the ability to access new career fields and promotions. Once you have considered all of the costs and benefits, you can decide whether a STEM degree is right for you or not.